The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-27
A TALK WITH Won MOLTKE
The Great GerlA an Generals Opinion of
Grant and Hancock

The Great GeriA an Generals Opinion of
Grant and Hancock
Philadelphia Press.
Captain Nalbro Frazier. one of the best known
of the military men of Philadelphia, has re-
turned from a two-years' soiourn in Enrone
While abroad he made a study of the strength
and discipline, so far as opportunities permitted
OF the various European armies. More than
that, he had a long personal interview with the
great commander of the German army General
Won Moltke. being one of the very few Ameri-
cans to whom such an audience has been grant
ed. Being pressed to speak Of the interview yes
terday, as of special interest. now that great
European war with Germany as the central fig
ure is generally looked for. he said:
~ called on General Won Moltke at his nalace
just outside the gates at the end of the famous
road called Inter den Linden. 1t ia a modest.
looking house enough, Notwithstanding its high
as Mr.. Childs's or Mr.. SCOTS. AftA had sent
up my card, the servant coming back incurred
particularly why wished to see General Won
Moltke Because, said l. have been soldier,
and low that General Grant is dead 1 consider
General Won Moltke the greatest military man
living. The servant retired, and in moment
returned. In that case, said he, his Excellency
will be glad to see you followed the servant
upstairs and into drawingroom. AS stepped
across the threshold 1 almost stumbled against
the great General, who was standing by the door
holding my card.
"You are Captdin Frazier2" he inquired in ex-
celent English. very slowly, but well pronounced.
II am" answered.
"And you are an Americana
''Yes"
"a soldier2"
eyes"
.'And you have served under General Grant,"
'Yes"
"And under General Hancock, too9v
And under General Hancock"
"Then 1 am very glad to see you. Sit you
down."
took scat by the window and for three
quarters of an hour we had chat about a varie-
ty of things. The General is eighty seven. but
wonderfully we'll preserved for man who has
taken part III many battles. His face is
smooth shaver and is a mass of wrinkle It is
one that would strike you anywhere, full OF
power and self-command. He was simply
dressed His coat was single breasted; one with
simply the twisted shoulder-strap. Round
his neck was the Order. of the
a Iron Cross: We sos spoke in English
with the slowness of delberation ne never
wanted for words He spoke a good deal of our
war, though considered it remarkable that he
mentioned no names of generals but those Of
Grant and Hancock. He referred particularly
to the battle of Gettysburg, and spoke of it as a
great strategic contest. | asked him what his
opinion was of General Grant General Grants
loss, he replied was q great loss He was
great general. He was one of the greatest that
has ever lived"
"And General Hancock"
General Hancock was brave soldier"
thought perhaps that he would refer to some
OF the men on the confederate side, but he did
not. he did not talk much either about the Ger
man army in detail. and he observed that eau
ton in speaking of home military matters that
seems Characteristic of German officers gener-
ally. He said, however, these. words: I'VE have
long been endeavoring to make the German
army the best In Europe, and am beginning to
believe that are succeeding We
are endeavoring also to keep it in state of con-
slant preparation" He said no more that could
be construed rs bearing on the future at all, and
did not once refer to France French military
men. AS was leaving ha shook me cordially
by the hand.
II will call again when I am in Berlin" ]
said.
SIT will be useless he replied, ''unless you
return very soon
"Why9"
Because, sir, came in with the century, but
shall not see it 60 out l am not for long,